Controlling air conditioner modes

ABSTRACT

In various implementations, a request for operation of an air conditioner may be received. The air conditioner may include a cooling mode and/or a dehumidifying mode. In some implementations, a compressor speed for a compressor of the air conditioner may be determined, and which mode(s) of the air conditioner to allow may be determined based at least partially on the determined compressor speed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to controlling air conditioner modes.

BACKGROUND

Air conditioners, including air conditioners with heat pump operations,may provide cool and/or warm air to a location. The air conditioner mayalso dehumidify the air when a user selects a humidity control option.

SUMMARY

In various implementations, a method for controlling an air conditionermay include receiving a request for operation of an air conditioner,which includes at least two modes. At least two of the modes of the airconditioner may include a cooling mode and a dehumidifying mode. Acompressor speed for a compressor of the air conditioner may bedetermined, and a determination of which one or more of the modes of theair conditioner to allow may be made based at least partially on thedetermined compressor speed. Determining which one or more of the modesto allow may include allowing the cooling mode if the compressor speedis greater than a predetermined first speed; allowing the cooling modeand the dehumidifying mode if the compressor speed is less than thepredetermined first speed and if the compressor speed is greater than apredetermined second speed; allowing the dehumidifying mode if thecompressor speed is less than the predetermined second speed and arelative humidity is greater than a predetermined high relative humidityvalue; and/or allowing the cooling mode if the compressor speed is lessthan the predetermined second speed and a relative humidity is less thanor equal to the predetermined high relative humidity value.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Theair conditioner may be allowed to operate based at least partially onthe one or more modes of the air conditioner determined to be allowed.In some implementations, the request for operation may include a setpoint temperature and the compressor speed may be less than thepredetermined second speed. The set point temperature may be reduced ifan overcool mode selection has been received. Reducing the set pointtemperature may include reducing the set point temperature byapproximately two degrees Fahrenheit. A request for operation mayinclude a set point temperature, and the predetermined high relativehumidity value may be approximately 60% relative humidity. In someimplementations, a relative humidity proximate an air conditioner may bedetermined. The predetermined first speed may be approximately 90percent of a maximum compressor speed, and the predetermined secondspeed may include a minimum compressor speed. In some implementations,the request for operation may include a set point. The set point mayinclude a set point temperature and/or a set point relative humidity. Atemperature and/or a relative humidity proximate the air conditioner maybe monitored, and determining a compressor speed for the compressor mayinclude selecting a compressor speed to reduce the monitored temperatureand/or the monitored relative humidity to the set point of the receivedrequest for operation.

In various implementations, a request for operation of an airconditioner, which includes at least two modes, may be received. Atleast two of the modes of the air conditioner may include a cooling modeand a dehumidifying mode. A compressor speed for a compressor of the airconditioner may be determined, and a determination of which of the oneor more modes of the air conditioner to allow may be made based at leastpartially on the determined compressor speed.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features.Determining which one or more of the modes to allow may include allowingthe cooling mode if the compressor speed is greater than a predeterminedfirst speed. Determining which one or more of the modes to allow mayinclude allowing the cooling mode and the dehumidifying mode if thecompressor speed is less than a predetermined first speed and if thecompressor speed is greater than a predetermined second speed.Determining which one or more of the modes to allow may include allowingthe dehumidifying mode if the compressor speed is less than apredetermined second speed and a relative humidity proximate the airconditioner is greater than a predetermined high relative humidityvalue. In some implementations, determining which one or more of themodes to allow may include allowing the cooling mode if the compressorspeed is less than a predetermined second speed and a relative humidityis less than or equal to a predetermined high relative humidity value.

In various implementations, an air conditioner may include a compressorthat includes at least two speeds, an evaporator fan, and a controller.The controller may include module(s), such as a priority module. Thepriority module may determine a compressor speed for a compressor of theair conditioner, and determine which one or more operating modes of theair conditioner to allow based at least partially on the determinedcompressor speed. The air conditioner may include at least two operatingmodes, which may include a cooling mode and a dehumidifying mode.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. Thepriority module may allow the cooling mode if the compressor speed isgreater than a predetermined first speed. The priority module may allowthe cooling mode and the dehumidifying mode if the compressor speed isless than a predetermined first speed and if the compressor speed isgreater than a predetermined second speed. The priority module may allowthe dehumidifying mode if the compressor speed is less than apredetermined second speed and a relative humidity is greater than apredetermined high relative humidity value. The priority module mayallow the cooling mode if the compressor speed is less than apredetermined second speed and a relative humidity is less than or equalto a predetermined high relative humidity value. In someimplementations, the priority module may allow the air conditioner tooperate based at least partially on at least one of the modes to beallowed. In some implementations, the priority module may receive arequest for an overcool mode, receive a request for operation comprisinga set point temperature, and reduce the set point temperature by apredetermined value. The priority module may receive a request for anovercool mode, receive a request for operation comprising a set pointtemperature, and inhibit reduction of the set point temperature by apredetermined value if the cooling mode is allowed.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the implementations will be apparent from thedescription and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its features,reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an implementation of an example air conditioner.

FIG. 2 illustrates an implementation of an example process forcontrolling air conditioner modes.

FIG. 3 illustrates an implementation of an example process forcontrolling air conditioner modes.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example graph of measured relative humidity duringoperations of implementations of air conditioners.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an implementation of an example air conditioner 100.The air conditioner 100 may provide cool air to a location (e.g., abuilding, a house, and/or a room). The air conditioner 100 may include acondenser 105, a condenser fan 110, a compressor 115, an evaporator 120,an evaporator fan 125, an expansion valve 130 and a controller 135. Theair conditioner 100 may further include lines 140 (e.g. tubing) throughwhich refrigerant flows. The lines 140 may couple the condenser 105,compressor 115, evaporator 120 and expansion valve 130 together into arefrigerant circuit. In some implementations, the air conditioner 100may include a heat pump operation and may include a reversing valve 150to reverse the flow of refrigerant in the lines 140 and thereby allowthe option to provide either heating or cooling to a location.

The condenser 105 and the evaporator 120 may be any appropriate type ofheat exchanger(s). The condenser fan 110 and the evaporator fan 125 mayprovide air flow to the condenser 105 and the evaporator 120,respectively. Any appropriate fan, such as a mechanical axial flow fan,may be used.

During a cooling cycle, cool air may be provided by the air conditioner100 by allowing air from the evaporator fan 125 to flow across theevaporator 120 (e.g., indoor unit) that evaporates liquid refrigerant. Atemperature of the air may be reduced and the cool air may be providedto a location (e.g., via ducting). The gaseous refrigerant may exit theevaporator 120, travel through the lines 140 of the air conditioner 100,be compressed by the compressor 115, and then delivered to the condenser105 (e.g., outdoor unit). The condenser 105 may condense the gaseousrefrigerant, for example by allowing air from the condenser fan 110 toflow through the condenser 105, thereby removing heat from the gaseousrefrigerant. The condensed refrigerant may be provided to the evaporator120 through the expansion valve 130. In some implementations, theexpansion valve 130 may regulate the amount of refrigerant allowed toenter the evaporator 120.

In some implementations, the air conditioner 100 may include a heat pumpoperation and a reversing valve 150. Heat pump operations in the airconditioner may allow operations with heating and cooling cycles. Toallow the heat pump air conditioner to operate in a heating cycle, thereversing valve 150 may be reversed to allow the refrigerant to flowthrough lines 140 in the opposite direction as the cooling cycle. Forexample, hot air may be provided by blowing air across the indoor unit,which acts as a condenser (e.g., the air may remove heat from therefrigerant and allow the refrigerant to condense). The hot air may beprovided to a location by the air conditioning system. During theheating cycle, the outdoor unit may act as an evaporator and thetemperature of the air may be cooler leaving the outdoor unit than whenentering the outdoor unit.

The air conditioner 100 may further include a controller 135. Thecontroller 135 may be a computer and include a memory and a processor.The processor may execute instructions and manipulate data to performoperations of the controller 135. The processor may include aprogrammable logic device, a microprocessor, or any other appropriatedevice for manipulating information in a logical manner, and the memorymay include any appropriate form(s) of volatile and/or nonvolatilememory, such as RAM and/or Flash memory.

The memory may store data such as predetermined values (e.g., firstspeed for a condenser, second speed for a condenser, preset set points,high humidity values, and/or other values); ranges for systemproperties, such as temperatures, times, and/or relative humidity;operation parameters, such as condenser speeds and/or fan speeds toachieve a set point temperature and/or relative humidity; and/or otherdata.

Various software modules may be stored on the memory and be executableby the processor of the controller 135. For example, instructions, suchas operating systems and/or modules such as management modules and/orpriority modules may be stored on the memory. The management modules maymanage operations and/or components (e.g., heat exchangers, valves,lines, fans, and/or compressors) of the air conditioner such asresponding to requests, determining operating parameters of variouscomponents of the air conditioner, and/or operating a reversing valve ofa heat pump air conditioner (e.g., air conditioner with a heat pumpoperation). The priority modules may prioritize module operations,determine and/or select modules for operation, prioritize modules toallow, receive and/or process requests for air conditioner operations,determine components operating parameters (e.g., speeds of componentoperations), compare compressor speeds to various predetermined valuesto determine which mode to allow, receive input from users (e.g., toprioritize defrost, to allow overcool mode, and/or to restrict overcoolmode), etc. In various implementations, the modules may include variousmodules and/or sub-modules. In some implementations, the modules mayperform one or more of the operations described in process 200 and/or300, illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The controller 135, illustrated in FIG. 1, may include a communicationinterface that may allow the controller 135 to communicate withcomponents of the air conditioner 100, other repositories, and/or othercomputer systems. The communication interface may transmit data from thecontroller 135 and/or receive data from other components, otherrepositories, and/or other computer systems via network protocols (e.g.,TCP/IP, Bluetooth, and/or Wi-Fi) and/or a bus (e.g., serial, parallel,USB, and/or FireWire). Operations of the air conditioner 100 may bestored in a memory and may be updated and/or altered through thecommunication via network protocols (e.g., remotely through a firmwareupdate and/or by a device directly coupled to the controller 135).

The controller 135 may include a presentation interface (e.g., a portionof the thermostat) to present data to a user, such as though a monitorand speakers. The presentation interface may facilitate receipt ofrequests for operation from users.

In various implementations, air conditioners (e.g., air conditioner withheat pump operations and/or air conditioners capable of providing coolair) may have modes of operations. The controller 135 may determinewhich mode(s) to allow and/or the priority in which to allow themode(s). For example, the controller 135 may prioritize cooling demandover dehumidifying. A user may feel more comfortable in a location witha temperature closer to a desired set point and a higher relativehumidity than in a location with a relative humidity closer to a desiredset point and a temperature not close to the set point.

The modes of air conditioner operation may include a cooling mode thatprovides cool air to reduce a temperature of a location and/or adehumidifying mode that removes moisture from the air and reduces therelative humidity of a location. The cooling mode and the dehumidifyingmode may run separately and/or simultaneously, as described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/333,658, entitled “Control System andMethod for Both Energy Saving and Comfort Control in Air ConditioningSystem” to Qu et al. filed Dec. 21, 2011, which is hereby incorporatedby reference as if fully set forth herein.

In some implementations, the cooling mode may include operating acompressor of the air conditioner at a speed between a minimumcompressor speed (e.g., a low speed of a two speed compressor and/or alowest speed of a multispeed compressor) and approximately 100% (e.g.,full speed, a high speed of a two speed compressor and/or a highestspeed of a multispeed compressor). During the cooling mode, theevaporator fan (e.g., fan associated with the indoor unit) may operateat the maximum speed associated with the selected compressor speed. Forexample, if a compressor is allowed to operate at 100% of a maximumspeed, then the evaporator fan may be allowed to operate at a maximumspeed (e.g., 1200 CFM); and if the compressor is allowed to operate at50% (e.g., 50% of a maximum speed), then the evaporator fan may beallowed to operate at 600 CFM (e.g., the maximum fan speed associatedwith the compressor speed at 50%).

In some implementations, the dehumidifying mode may include operating acompressor at approximately 100% (e.g., full speed, a high speed of atwo speed compressor and/or a highest speed of a multispeed compressor).During the dehumidifying mode, the evaporator fan (e.g., fan associatedwith the indoor unit) may be set at the minimum speed associated withthe compressor speed (e.g., the minimum speed at which the fan may runwithout the coil freezing and/or greater than zero).

In some implementations, the air conditioner may be allowed to run in acombination cooling mode and dehumidifying mode. The determinedcompressor speed may be between a minimum compressor speed (e.g., a lowspeed of a two speed compressor and/or a lowest speed of a multispeedcompressor) and approximately a maximum compressor speed (e.g., fullspeed, a high speed of a two speed compressor and/or a highest speed ofa multispeed compressor). During the combination cooling mode anddehumidifying mode, the evaporator fan (e.g., fan associated with theindoor unit) may be allowed to run at a speed between a minimum speed(e.g., a minimum speed at which the fan may run without the coilfreezing and/or greater than zero) and a maximum speed.

In some implementations, the controller may at least partially utilizeProportional and Integral (PI) control algorithms and/or Proportional,Integral and Derivative (PID) control algorithms to select operationparameters, such as compressor speed and evaporator fan speed. Thecontroller may include a PI controller and/or PID controller.

FIG. 2 illustrates an implementation of an example process 200 forcontrolling air conditioner modes. A request for operation of an airconditioner may be received (operation 205). A user may requestoperation of the air conditioner to achieve a set point temperatureand/or a set point relative humidity in a location. For example, theuser may select a temperature and/or a relative humidity as set point(s)using a controller (e.g., a thermostat) and the selected set point(s)may be transmitted with the request for operation.

The air conditioner may then determine appropriate settings for variouscomponents of the air conditioner. For example, a compressor speed maybe determined at least partially based on the received request(operation 210). The controller may utilize PI control algorithms todetermine a compressor speed that will allow an air conditioner tosatisfy a requested set point temperature (e.g., a compressor speed thatwill allow a temperature proximate the air conditioner to be measured ata temperature approximately equal to the set point temperature).

A mode of operation of the air conditioner may be determined based atleast partially on the compressor speed (operation 215). For example,the air conditioner (e.g., module of the controller) may compare the setpoint temperature to a monitored temperature proximate the airconditioner. The air conditioner (e.g., controller) may determine whichmode(s) to select based at least partially on cooling demand.

For example, if the cooling demand is in a predetermined first range(e.g., predetermined cooling range where cooling demand is greater thanapproximately 90% and/or compressor speed is greater than approximately90% of full speed), then the cooling mode may be allowed. The controllermay allow temperature control to be prioritized over dehumidifying setpoints when the cooling demand is high, in some implementations.

If the cooling demand is in a predetermined second range (e.g., coolingdemand is between a minimum demand and 90% of compressor maximum speed,cooling demand is less than the predetermined cooling range and greaterthan a predetermined minimum cooling demand, and/or a compressor speedis greater than a minimum compressor speed and less than approximately90% of full speed), then the cooling mode and the dehumidifying mode maybe allowed. For example, the cooling mode and the dehumidifying mode maybe allowed together as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/333,658.

When the cooling demand is in a predetermined third range (e.g., coolingdemand is less than a predetermined minimum cooling demand and/or thecompressor speed is less than a minimum compressor speed), thecontroller may determine the mode based at least partially on adetermined relative humidity proximate the air conditioner. Thetemperature and/or relative humidity may be measured by sensors andutilized by the controller, in some implementations. When the relativehumidity is greater than a predetermined high humidity value (e.g.,greater than approximately 60% relative humidity and/or greater than aset point humidity), then the controller may allow the dehumidifyingmode. When the relative humidity is less than a predetermined value(e.g., the high humidity value, the set point humidity in the requestfrom the user, and/or less than or equal to approximately 60% relativehumidity), then the controller may allow the cooling mode. Otherwise, ifthe cooling demand is low (e.g., when the temperature measured proximatethe air conditioner is approximately equal to the set pointtemperature), the dehumidifying mode may be allowed to operate until itis approximately equal to the set point relative humidity.

Process 200 may be implemented by various systems, such as system 100.In addition, various operations may be added, deleted, and/or modified.For example, temperature and/or relative humidity proximate the airconditioner may be monitored and utilized to determine a compressorspeed. In some implementations, an air conditioner may include more thantwo modes of operation. In some implementations, an air conditioner mayrun modes separately and/or in combination. The air conditioner maymonitor other properties, such as pressure. In some implementations, thecompressor may be restricted from operating at speeds less than apredetermined minimum compressor speed.

In some implementations, the set point humidity may be preset into theair conditioner system (e.g., saved in a memory of the controller). Theuser may request to activate the dehumidifying mode, and the airconditioner may retrieve the preset set point and control the airconditioner operations based on the preset set point for relativehumidity.

FIG. 3 illustrates an implementation of an example process 300 forcontrolling air conditioner modes. A request for operation of an airconditioner with a cooling mode and/or a dehumidifying mode may bereceived (operation 305). A user may select a set point temperatureand/or a set point relative humidity on a controller (e.g., thermostat).The controller may receive the user selections in the request foroperation of the air conditioner.

A compressor speed for a compressor of the air conditioner may bedetermined (operation 310). The compressor speed may be determined bythe controller based on PI control algorithms. For example, atemperature and/or a relative humidity may be monitored (operation 315).The monitored properties (e.g., temperature and/or relative humidity)may be utilized by the controller to determine a compressor speed thatmay allow the air conditioner to reduce the monitored property(ies) tobe approximately equal to the set point(s) in the request. In someimplementations, the controller (e.g., a module of the controller) maydetermine the operating instructions for other components of the airconditioner. For example, the operating speed for the evaporator fan maybe determined based at least partially on the determined compressorspeed.

A mode of operation of the air conditioner may be determined andallowed, based at least partially on the determined compressor speed(operation 320). For example, the cooling demand and/or compressor speedmay be compared to a predetermined range of values to determine whichmode(s) of operation the air conditioner may be allowed and/or determinewhich mode(s) of operation of the air conditioner may be restricted. Insome implementations, the controller may determine which mode to allowfurther based on the monitored properties, such as temperature and/orrelative humidity.

The compressor speed may be compared to a predetermined first speed anda predetermined second speed to determine in which mode(s) of operationthe air conditioner should operate (operation 325). For example, thepredetermined first speed and the predetermined second speed may bestored in a memory of the air conditioner, and the controller mayretrieve the values and compare the values to the compressor speed.

A cooling mode may be allowed if the determined compressor speed isgreater than the predetermined first speed (operation 330). During thecooling mode, the compressor speed may be in the range between a minimumoperating speed and a full operating speed and the evaporator fan speedmay be determined based at least partially on the compressor speed. Insome implementations, the evaporator fan speed may be the full speed(e.g., approximately 100%) of the evaporator fan speed associated withthe compressor speed. For example, various evaporator fan speeds may becorrelated to various compressor speeds (e.g., based on manufacturerlook up tables, based on inhibiting freezing proximate evaporator coils,and/or based on optimized performance).

A cooling mode and a dehumidifying mode may be allowed if the determinedcompressor speed is less than the predetermined first speed and isgreater than the predetermined second speed (operation 335). Forexample, the compressor speed may be allowed between a minimum and amaximum speed based on a proportional and integral control algorithm tocontrol temperature. The evaporator fan speed may be allowed between aminimum and a maximum speed based on a proportional and integral controlalgorithm to control relative humidity.

If the determined compressor speed is less than the predetermined secondspeed, the mode selected may be based at least partially on themonitored relative humidity (operation 340). For example, if therelative humidity is greater than a predetermined high humidity value(e.g., approximately 60% relative humidity), then a dehumidifying modemay be allowed. If the relative humidity is less than or equal to thepredetermined high humidity value, then the cooling mode may be allowed.Thus, when the cooling demand is low, the dehumidifying mode may beprioritized over cooling.

A set point temperature associated with the received request may bereduced, if an overcool mode selection has been received (operation345). In some implementations, a user may select an overcool mode. Theovercool mode may reduce a set point temperature by a predeterminedvalue (e.g., two degrees Fahrenheit) during the dehumidifying operation.The overcool mode may be restricted, in some implementations, tooperations when the controller allows the dehumidifying mode.

The air conditioner may be allowed to operate based at least partiallyon the allowed mode (operation 350). For example, the air conditionermay determine operating parameters for other components and allow cooland/or dehumidified air to be delivered to a location.

Process 300 may be implemented by various systems, such as system 100.In addition, various operations may be added, deleted, and/or modified.In some implementations, process 300 may be performed in combinationwith other processes and/or operations of processes, such as process200. For example, the overcooling mode may be restricted when thecooling mode is selected. In some implementations, the compressor may berestricted from operating at speeds below a minimum operating speed. Insome implementations, the evaporator fan speed may be determined basedat least partially on the compressor speed and/or the mode selected.

In some implementations, the user may be restricted from inputting a setpoint humidity. In some implementations, the air conditioner may includea preset set point humidity. A user may request a dehumidifying mode,and the controller may retrieve the preset set point for humidity andutilize the preset set point for further operations. In someimplementations, a user may provide a request that the dehumidifyingmode takes priority when requested. The controller may allow thedehumidifying mode priority over the cooling mode operation when therequest for dehumidifying priority is received. In some implementations,the controller may allow the cooling mode when the cooling demand isgreater than approximately 90% and/or when the compressor speed isgreater than approximately 90%

Example 1

As illustrated in FIG. 4, four air conditioner modes were operated totest the ability to achieve a set point relative humidity of 0.5 (e.g.50% relative humidity). In air conditioner A, the air conditioner wasallowed to operate with automatic control similar to the processdescribed in process 300. In air conditioner A, the overcool option wasnot requested. In air conditioner B, the air conditioner was allowed tooperate without automatic control and a dehumidifying operation wasallowed where the compressor was run at full speed and the evaporatorfan was run at a minimum speed. In air conditioner C, the airconditioner was allowed to operate with an overcool option of −2 degreesFahrenheit selected.

The air conditioners A, B, C were allowed to operate and the relativehumidity proximate each air conditioner (e.g., proximate a thermostat ofan air conditioner) and time of operation were monitored. Asillustrated, air conditioners A and C were able to better achieve a setpoint humidity and more quickly able to achieve the set point humidity.

End of Example 1

Although FIG. 1 describes an implementation of an air conditioner, otherimplementations may be utilized as appropriate. For example, the airconditioner may be disposed inside a building. In some implementations,the air conditioner may include a metering device, such as an expansionvalve. The air conditioner may include heat pump operations.

Although a specific controller has been described in FIG. 1, thecontroller may be any appropriate computer or other programmable logicdevice. The controller may include a processor that executesinstructions and manipulates data to perform operations of thecontroller. Processor may include a programmable logic device, amicroprocessor, or any other appropriate device for manipulatinginformation in a logical manner and memory may include any appropriateform(s) of volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, such as RAM and/or Flashmemory.

The memory may include data, such as predetermined property values(e.g., temperature and/or relative humidity); predetermined speeds(e.g., first speed and/or second speed); preset set points;predetermined ranges; and/or any other data useful to the operation ofthe air conditioner and/or modules of the air conditioner.

In addition, various software may be stored on the memory. For example,instructions (e.g., operating systems and/or other types of software),and modules such as priority modules and/or management modules may bestored on the memory. The management modules may operate the airconditioner during normal operations (e.g., operations in which the airconditioner operates based at least partially on user requests foroperation). For example, the management modules may receive requests foroperation from a user and operate the air conditioner to satisfy theuser request. The priority modules may receive requests for operation,determine compressor speeds, monitor properties (e.g., temperatureand/or relative humidity), determine modes of operation, comparecompressor speeds to various predetermined values to determine whichmode of operation to allow, reduce set points, allow overcool modes,alter priorities of modes, etc. The modules may have overlapping and/orsimilar operations and/or may share data based on operations for furtheroperations.

In some implementations, modules may be combined, such as into a singlemodule or multiple modules. Management modules and priority modules maybe distinct modules. In an implementation, management modules and/orpriority modules may include various modules and/or sub-modules.

The controller may include a presentation interface to present data to auser, such as though a monitor and speakers. The presentation interfacemay facilitate receipt of requests for operation from users.

A client (e.g., control panel in field or building) may allow a user toaccess the controller and/or instructions stored on the controller. Theclient may be a computer system such as a personal computer, a laptop, apersonal digital assistant, a smart phone, or any computer systemappropriate for communicating with the controller. For example, atechnician may utilize a client, such as a tablet computer, to accessthe controller. As another example, a user may utilize a client, such asa smart phone, to access the controller and request operations.

Although FIG. 1 provides one example of controller that may be used withthe disclosure, controller can be implemented through computers such asservers, as well as a server pool. For example, controller may include ageneral-purpose personal computer (PC) a Macintosh, a workstation, aUNIX-based computer, a server computer, or any other suitable device.According to one implementation, controller may include a web server.Controller may be adapted to execute any operating system includingUNIX, Linux, Windows, or any other suitable operating system. Thecontroller may include software and/or hardware in any combinationsuitable to provide access to data and/or translate data to anappropriate compatible format.

Various implementations of the systems and techniques described here canbe realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry,specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits),computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof.These various implementations can include implementation in one or morecomputer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on aprogrammable system including at least one programmable processor, whichmay be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data andinstructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storagesystem, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

These computer programs (also known as programs, software, softwareapplications or code) include machine instructions for a programmableprocessor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural and/orobject-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machinelanguage. As used herein, the term “machine-readable medium” refers toany computer program product, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magneticdiscs, optical disks, memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used toprovide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor,including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructionsas a machine-readable signal. The term “machine-readable signal” refersto any signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to aprogrammable processor.

Although users have been described as a human, a user may be a person, agroup of people, a person or persons interacting with one or morecomputers, and/or a computer system.

Various described patents have been incorporated by reference. Thedescribed patents are incorporated by reference to the extent that noconflict exists between the various described systems and/or processesand the described patents. Any portion, of the described patents thatare incorporated by reference, that is conflicting with the variousdescribed systems and/or processes are not incorporated by reference.

It is to be understood the implementations are not limited to particularsystems or processes described which may, of course, vary. It is also tobe understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular implementations only, and is not intended to belimiting. As used in this specification, the singular forms “a”, “an”and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly indicatesotherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a cooling mode” includes acombination of two or more cooling modes and/or operations; and,reference to “a dehumidifying mode” includes different types and/orcombinations of dehumidifying modes and/or operations. Reference to “acompressor” may include a combination of two or more compressors. Asanother example, “coupling” includes direct and/or indirect coupling ofmembers.

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may bemade herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of thepresent application is not intended to be limited to the particularembodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter,means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one ofordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure,processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed thatperform substantially the same function or achieve substantially thesame result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may beutilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appendedclaims are intended to include within their scope such processes,machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of controlling an air conditioner,the method comprising: receiving a request for operation of the airconditioner comprising at least two modes, wherein the at least twomodes comprise a cooling mode and a dehumidifying mode; determining acompressor speed for a compressor of the air conditioner; anddetermining, in response to the request for operation and the determinedcompressor speed, which one or more of the at least two modes of the airconditioner to allow, wherein determining which one or more of the atleast two modes to allow comprises: allowing the cooling mode if thedetermined compressor speed is greater than a predetermined first speed;allowing the cooling mode and the dehumidifying mode if the determinedcompressor speed is less than the predetermined first speed and if thedetermined compressor speed is greater than a predetermined secondspeed; and allowing only the dehumidifying mode if the determinedcompressor speed is less than the predetermined second speed and arelative humidity is greater than a predetermined relative humidityvalue; and allowing the cooling mode if the determined compressor speedis less than the predetermined second speed and the relative humidity isless than or equal to the predetermined relative humidity value; whereinthe predetermined first speed is greater than the predetermined secondspeed.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising monitoringtemperature or relative humidity proximate the air conditioner; andwherein determining a compressor speed comprises utilizing the monitoredtemperature or the relative humidity to determine the air conditioner'scompressor speed.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the request foroperation includes a set point temperature, and wherein the determinedcompressor speed is less than the predetermined second speed, andfurther comprising reducing the set point temperature if an overcoolmode selection has been received.
 4. The method of claim 3 whereinreducing the set point temperature comprises reducing the set pointtemperature by approximately two degrees Fahrenheit.
 5. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the request for operation comprises a set pointtemperature, and wherein the predetermined relative humidity valuecomprises approximately 60% relative humidity, and further comprisingdetermining a relative humidity proximate an air conditioner.
 6. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the predetermined first speed comprisesapproximately 90 percent of a maximum compressor speed, and wherein thepredetermined second speed comprises a minimum compressor speed.
 7. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the request for operation comprises a setpoint, and wherein the set point comprises at least one of a set pointtemperature or a set point relative humidity; and further comprising:monitoring at least one of a temperature or the relative humidityproximate the air conditioner; wherein determining a compressor speedfor the compressor comprises selecting a compressor speed adapted toreduce at least one of the monitored temperature or the monitoredrelative humidity to the set point of the received request foroperation.
 8. An article comprising machine-readable medium storinginstructions for managing an air conditioner, the instructions operableto cause data processing apparatus to perform operations comprising:receiving a request for operation of the air conditioner comprising atleast two modes, wherein the at least two modes comprise a cooling modeand a dehumidifying mode; determining a compressor speed for acompressor of the air conditioner; determining, in response to therequest and the determined compressor speed, which one or more of themodes of the air conditioner to allow, wherein determining which one ormore of the at least two modes to allow comprises: allowing the coolingmode if the determined compressor speed is greater than a predeterminedfirst speed; allowing the cooling mode and the dehumidifying mode if thedetermined compressor speed is less than the predetermined first speedand if the determined compressor speed is greater than a predeterminedsecond speed; and allowing only the dehumidifying mode if the determinedcompressor speed is less than the predetermined second speed and arelative humidity is greater than a predetermined relative humidityvalue; and allowing the cooling mode if the determined compressor speedis less than the predetermined second speed and the relative humidity isless than or equal to the predetermined relative humidity value; whereinthe predetermined first speed is greater than the predetermined secondspeed.
 9. An air conditioner comprising: a compressor comprising atleast two speeds; an evaporator fan; wherein the air conditionercomprises at least two operating modes, and wherein the at least two ofthe operating modes comprise a cooling mode and a dehumidifying mode;and a controller comprising one or more modules, wherein at least one ofthe modules comprises a priority module, and wherein the priority moduleis adapted to: determine a compressor speed for a compressor of the airconditioner; determine, in response to a request for operation and thedetermined compressor speed, which one or more of the at least twooperating modes of the air conditioner to allow based at least partiallyon the determined compressor speed; wherein determining which one ormore of the at least two operating modes to allow comprises: allowingthe cooling mode if the determined compressor speed is greater than apredetermined first speed; allowing the cooling mode and thedehumidifying mode if the determined compressor speed is less than thepredetermined first speed and if the compressor speed is greater than apredetermined second speed; and allowing only the dehumidifying mode ifthe determined compressor speed is less than the predetermined secondspeed and a relative humidity is greater than a predetermined relativehumidity value; and allowing the cooling mode if the determinedcompressor speed is less than the predetermined second speed and therelative humidity is less than or equal to the predetermined relativehumidity value; wherein the predetermined first speed is greater thanthe predetermined second speed.
 10. The air conditioner of claim 9wherein the priority module is further adapted to allow the airconditioner to operate based at least partially on at least one of theat least two operating modes determined to be allowed.
 11. The airconditioner of claim 9 wherein the priority module is further adaptedto: receive a request for an overcool mode; receive a request foroperation comprising a set point temperature; and reduce the set pointtemperature by a predetermined value.
 12. The air conditioner of claim 9wherein the priority module is further adapted to: receive a request foran overcool mode; receive a request for operation comprising a set pointtemperature; and inhibit reduction of the set point temperature by apredetermined value if the cooling mode is allowed.